Aims: Post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscess is an important and potentially serious complication of appendicitis. We report a 6-year review of our experience of image-guided drainage of post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscess in children.

Methods: Twelve patients had image-guided drainage of thirteen large post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses. Drains were inserted by a consultant paediatric interventional radiologist under ultrasound guidance. Nine patients had percutaneous drainage, and in 3 patients the transrectal route was used.

Results: The mean of the largest dimension of each abscess was 8.6(2.3)cm. The most common site was the pelvis. The median drainage period was 4.5 days. 75% of patients were discharged within 6 days following drain insertion.

Conclusions: Image-guided drainage is an effective treatment for post-appendectomy intra-abdominal abscesses in children. Rapid resolution of symptoms and a short hospital stay was achieved in patients with large abscesses using this minimally invasive approach.